The screams. The moans. The despair. The waiting room in a dentist’s office? Perhaps. But fear is also part of most great scary amusement park rides. Whether you call them “dark rides” or “laff in the darks,” this frightening form of entertainment has been around for well over a hundred years, thrilling kids and adults alike. Having somewhat of an affinity for all things horror, I tend to seek these out rides wherever I go. Here are three of my favorite scary amusement park rides, all of which I’ve ridden. Multiple times. As a child. And an adult.

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